tapa
/ˈta.pɐ/
The English phrase 'tapa' is translated into Portuguese as tapa.
In a colloquial setting, the verb picar can be used to convey the idea of 'eating tapas'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the word petisco is used to refer to tapas.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈta.pɐ/. The stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In many contexts, tapa refers to a 'slap' or a physical strike rather than a small snack.
- While Spanish speakers use 'tapas' to describe small plates, a Portuguese speaker might use the word tapa to mean a 'cover' or 'lid'.
- The Portuguese tapa shares an ancestral root with the Italian word tappare, meaning 'to plug' or 'to cork'.
Examples in context
- Vamos pedir uns petiscos para partilhar?Let's order some tapas to share?
- Ele levou uma tapa de leve.He received a light slap.
- A tapa foi muito forte.The slap was very strong.
Example conversation
Beatriz and Lucas are arguing about a joke.
- BeatrizVocê passou dos limites com essa piada.You crossed the line with that joke.
- LucasCalma, Beatriz, eu estava apenas brincando.Calm down, Beatriz, I was just joking.
- BeatrizCuidado, ou você vai levar uma tapa.Be careful, or you'll get a slap.
- LucasTudo bem, eu peço desculpas.Alright, I apologize.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tapa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tapa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
